Tampa Police said it was pouring rain when Migdalia Mendoza, 51, drove her car down the Lowry Park boat ramp and into the Hillsborough River.
It happened Wednesday night at 7:30. Mendoza's sister said she got lost in the rain while on her way to a church function at a friend's house. Mendoza was talking to a friend on her cell phone and told her she was in the water and needed help, according to police.
Tampa Police spokesperson Andrea Davis said a man who lives on the river heard a noise and ran outside to see a sinking van. Two Tampa Police officers quickly arrived and jumped in the water, but the van was already submerged. Tampa Police divers later pulled Mendoza from her vehicle. Tampa Fire rescue crews tried to revive her, but she died at the hospital, said Davis.
"That's why we gotta be ready," said Mendoza's sister through a translator. "Every day is not given to anybody, you gotta be ready for God even if you believe in him or not, you still gotta be ready. She's in a better place right now"
A tow truck pulled Mendoza's vehicle from the river Wednesday night.
The church meeting took place just blocks from the boat ramp, according to the victim's sister.
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 23:53:15 GMT
Ireland Nugent, the 2-year-old girl who lost her feet and part of her legs in a lawnmower accident, was invited by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Saturday to visit Winter the dolphin.
Ireland Nugent, the 2-year-old girl who lost her feet and part of her legs in a lawnmower accident, was invited by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Saturday to visit Winter the dolphin.
Saturday, May 18 2013 5:22 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:22:04 GMT
Dr. Reed, Dr. Pilon-Thomas and Dr. Sarnaik of Moffitt Cancer Center receive a check for $150,000 from Rob Shapiro and Jim Sirignano with Swim Across America - Tampa Bay.
Approximately 250 swimmers took to the water at Pier 60 Saturday in Clearwater Beach, in an effort to raise money for Moffitt Cancer Center Swimmers came from all over Tampa Bay.
Approximately 250 swimmers took to the water at Pier 60 Saturday in Clearwater Beach, in an effort to raise money for Moffitt Cancer Center Swimmers came from all over Tampa Bay.
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:11 AM EDT2013-05-18 15:11:49 GMT
If you're planning to put the expense of this summer's vacation on a credit card and pay it off over time, travel experts say you may want to avoid using reward cards.
If you're planning to put the expense of this summer's vacation on a credit card and pay it off over time, travel experts say you may want to avoid using reward cards.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:00:27 GMT
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:25:15 GMT
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
Only two of 13 small SUVs are getting passing grades in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group. Popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Wrangler received only "marginal"
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:11 AM EDT2013-05-18 15:11:49 GMT
If you're planning to put the expense of this summer's vacation on a credit card and pay it off over time, travel experts say you may want to avoid using reward cards.
If you're planning to put the expense of this summer's vacation on a credit card and pay it off over time, travel experts say you may want to avoid using reward cards.
Tampa Police tried to rescue Migdalia Mendoza
